BENZONIA
TOWNSHIP HALL
REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES
DECEMBER 6,
2016
CALL TO ORDER- Call
to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chairman Gary Gielczyk.
The Chair introduced the
newest member from Platte Township, Robin Talsma.
ROLL CALL- In
attendance: Gielczyk, Barnard, Flynn, new member from Platte Township, Robin
Talsma and Wildie; Also in attendance: Zoning
Administrator, Dave Neiger.
Public Present: 2- Steve Webber, owner Webber Farms and
Carrie Corey, Owner Big Dog Towing.
AGENDA
- A MOTION by Flynn, SUPPORT by Barnard to accept agenda as amended; Motion
carried; all ayes.
MINUTES- A MOTION by Barnard, with SUPPORT by Wildie to accept Minutes from October 11,
2016 meeting; MOTION carried, all ayes.
Call for Conflict of
Interest- none
PUBLIC INPUT – none
UNFINISHED
BUSINESS
A.
Zoning Ordinance Amendments
1. Commercial/ NON commercial Agricultural standards- The
ZA passed out a sample ordinance addressing agricultural
like uses. The ZA explained some of the
language presented. He suggests the members review the language and be prepared
to discuss at the next meeting.
2. Amendment for
Vehicle towing Businesses RP 10 District-
The
ZA explained the violation by Big Dog Towing on Homestead Road that
necessitated an amendment being created.
He asks that the members review the proposed language and ready to act
at the next meeting.
B.
Short Term
Rentals- the ZA spoke about the problems with the short term rentals within the
Townships. A short term rental is defined as less than 30 days. The ZA suggests a police power ordinance
could help handle the complaints. The complaints received are mostly noise and
overcrowding. The Chair suggests a
recommendation to the Township Boards approving the creation of a police power
ordinance. Comment was made that this commission has discussed the short term
rental issue at length. A MOTION by Barnard with SUPPORT by Flynn to recommend
that the Benzonia and Platte Township Boards adopt a short term rental Police
power ordinance to enable The Zoning Administrator to enforce complaints. Roll Call vote-
gielczyk- aye, Barnard- aye, Wildie-, Flynn-aye, Talsma- abstain; motion
carried 4-0
C.
By Laws- A review of proposed changes was
made.
D.
Medical
Marihuana- the ZA explained the history of drafting language to address this
issue. A comment by public- Webber- grow operations are approved at the State
level and that agricultural areas may need to regulated.
REPORTS
The
Zoning Administrator reviewed the recent Zoning Board of Appeals hearings. 4 cases were handled at Benzonia Township.
Laurel ridge is doing more expansion.
NEW
BUSINESS-
The ZA will send letters to notify 2 Platte
Township residents of possible violations of zoning ordinance regarding renting
of detached travel trailers. The ZA will also send a letter to resident on
Fortine Road regarding the screening, location and other zoning requirements of
the dumpster located on the property.
Meeting
Dates for 2017-
An
agreement to set the 2017 meeting dates as the 1st Thursday of the
even months at 7pm. Feb- Apr-June-August-October-December.
A
Motion by Flynn with Support by Barnard to elect Gary Gielczyk as Chairman;
A
Nomination by Flynn with support by Talsma to elect Jason Barnard as Vice Chair;
A
nomination by Talsma with support to elect Bruce Wildie as secretary;
A
nomination by Barnard with support by to Tim Flynn as treasurer;
A
Motion to adjourn at 8:12 pm by Flynn, with support by Wildie, Motion carried.
Next
meeting is Thursday, February 2, 2017
Respectfully
submitted,
Alison
Michalak, recording secretary